Disposable laryngoscope blade

ABSTRACT

Described herein is a video laryngoscope designed for easy and safe operation comprising an apparatus body, a laryngoscope camera arm unit, and an associated laryngoscope blade releasably attached to the laryngoscope camera arm unit. The laryngoscope camera arm unit is angularly adjustable by use of a rotary linkage member connected to a distal end of the apparatus body. A communication unit is connected to a linkage device at a proximal end of the apparatus body. A light source and a video camera are located on the laryngoscope camera arm unit. The laryngoscope blade has at least two internal fluidic channels for delivering fluid to oral cavity regions of a patient and providing suction of bodily fluids from the patient.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to Norwegian App. No. 20200790 filed onJul. 6, 2020 and Norwegian App. No. 20200789 filed on Jul. 6, 2020, thedisclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in theirentireties. This application is related to co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. ______ (Atty. Dkt. No. 4750.0020001) by DanielStoffel, entitled “Video Laryngoscope Apparatus,” filed on even dateherewith, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein inits entirety.

BACKGROUND Field

Embodiments of the application relate to a medical instrument and moreparticularly an instrument for performing a medical procedure in thefield of anaesthesiology where a breathing tube is placed into thepatient's trachea or for performing medical visual examinations of therespiratory tract.

Background

Video laryngoscopes are used to assist personnel performing trachealintubations in patients. A video laryngoscope apparatus may include ahandheld portion, a screen unit, and a laryngoscope blade for insertioninto a patient's oral cavity for tracheal intubation of a patient.Intubation may be performed when a patient's airway is obstructed orwhen a patient is in a depressed state of consciousness, in a coma, ornot breathing, as a result of an accident, a medically-induced coma, oranother situation causing physical dysfunction. In some cases,intubation may be performed in a hospital by specially trainedpersonnel, anesthetists, or anesthetic nurses, or outside of a hospitalby less trained personnel.

As intubation may most often be performed in critical situations, theremay be a need for video laryngoscopy devices that are made for easymobility and use in and out of hospitals, such as in operation rooms,emergency departments, humanitarian healthcare organizations, inmilitary, and in environments such as ambulances, helicopters, planes orin the battlefield. There may also be a need to provide assistance fromexperts who are remotely located to less trained personnel performingintubations on patients, such as in military and civilian settings foruse in ambulances, helicopters, airplanes, in the field, and in othermedical situations outside the hospital and operation rooms.

Video laryngoscopes may also provide user feedback that increases thechances of success of the intubation procedure. Current medical devicemanufacturers offer handheld video laryngoscope apparatuses withlaryngoscope blades with a camera for providing a visual presentation ofa patient's throat anatomy on a screen for assisting personnel during anintubation process of a patient. Conventionally, a video laryngoscopehas a camera arm onto which the laryngoscope blade is releasablyattached, and the angle between the laryngoscope handle and the cameraarm may be permanently fixed. This current configuration of the videolaryngoscope may make it difficult for an individual to insert the videolaryngoscope into the oral cavity of a patient when the patient's headis in an inconvenient posture or position. In some cases, thelaryngoscope's configuration might not be optimal for operation, and adisplay unit that is attached to the laryngoscope's handle maysubsequently end up at a location that renders visual observationthereof by the individual performing the intubation cumbersome.

Furthermore, video laryngoscopes may necessitate more stringent cleaningprocedures compared to traditional laryngoscopes, due to their morecomplex shape, structure and functionality.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Accordingly, there may be a need for improved laryngoscope devices thatare hygienic, easy and simple to operate, and configured to providedirect feedback to the individual performing intubation on a patient(e.g., medically trained personnel or less experienced personnel), whichmay be a matter of life or death for the patient.

The present disclosure provides a detachable and disposable videolaryngoscope blade that simplifies cleaning of the video laryngoscope,yet incorporates all the medical functions needed by enabling videovision, injection of local anesthetics, and oxygen, and removal of anybodily fluids that may block the airway. To simplify the need forcleaning the laryngoscope apparatus and minimizing the risk oftransmitting diseases, disposable single-use blades may be utilized toprotect the patient by covering the camera arm of the laryngoscope uponinsertion into the oral cavity of the patient.

According to a first aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a videolaryngoscope for inspection of an oral cavity region of a patient,comprising an elongate apparatus body configured to be hand-held, alaryngoscope camera arm unit with a camera, a light source, alaryngoscope blade releasably attachable onto the camera arm unit, acommunication unit connected via a linkage device to a proximal end ofsaid body, and a power source. The camera arm at its proximal endconnects with a distal end of the apparatus body utilizing an adjustablerotary position linkage member.

The proximal end of the apparatus body is defined as the upper end. Thecommunication unit is suitably provided with a screen. The linkagedevice is for positioning the communication unit at different anglesrelative to the apparatus body. The laryngoscope camera arm unit servesas a blade arm support and the associated blade is releasably attachableto the camera arm at a proximal end thereof, enabling folding of theblade along the apparatus body (or handgrip) and providing selectableangular positions outward relative to the apparatus body.

The camera arm (blade arm) unit comprises a video camera at its distalend position, and a lens is located in front of the camera. The cameraarm unit is shaped to retain a laryngoscope blade with a specially madechannel or slot to engage with the camera arm unit.

The rotary position linkage member connecting the camera arm to theapparatus body comprises a spring and clutch assembly with a forcedetection unit and means for angle detection. The apparatus body isshaped for easy grip by one hand. There is a release and lock button forcontrol of the camera arm and blade by the position linkage member,accessible for operation by finger on the hand holding the body or anyother finger.

The camera arm unit, which comprises a video camera and lens at itsdistal end, has a light source as defined and shown. The blade containsillumination enhancing means for proper illumination of the oral cavityof the patient. The blade is made to be removable and of a disposabletype.

In a second aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a videolaryngoscope for use on a patient, the laryngoscope comprising a cameraarm with video camera and a laryngoscope blade releasably attachableonto the camera arm. The laryngoscope blade exhibits a tubular portionconfigured to releasably fit onto and enclose the camera arm, andanother portion which internally incorporates at least two fluidicchannels extending in the longitudinal direction of the blade, saidchannels each having at least two openings, at least one channel openingbeing at a proximal end of the blade and at least one further channelopening being at one of: a distal end location of the blade and locationbetween the proximal and distal ends of the blade.

The blade has enclosed channels for transport of fluids, such as oxygen,local anesthetics and for cleansing of the camera lens or view window,and with a separate enclosed channel for suction of bodily fluids fromthe patient. There are fluid flow connectors with valve function on theblade for the tubes for in-flow transport of fluids, e.g. gas. Further,at the proximal region of the blade, there is a suction outlet connectorfor fluids that have been sucked and/or collected from the patient. Thisprovides the medical personnel with valuable time to organize andperform critical life aid and deliver oxygen to be blown directly ontothe opening of the trachea of the patient, which may be criticallyimportant in case of a patient having low oxygen level in the blood dueto lung function issues.

The laryngoscope apparatus includes sensors measuring force, angles andsoftware images and other related medical information, which aredirected to the user, and the laryngoscope will record any operation forlater studies. Information and images are shown on the display. Thelaryngoscope communication unit is either voice-operated or by touchscreen, alternatively by key function buttons and has means for remotecommunication and sharing of data with other resources such as databases(medical), or other special personnel remote from the site of operation.

In an embodiment, a disposable laryngoscope blade configured to bereleasably attachable onto a camera arm of a video laryngoscope for useon a patient is disclosed. The disposable laryngoscope blade includes afirst portion that is tubular and configured to releasably fit onto andenclose the camera arm, and a second portion that internallyincorporates at least two fluidic channels extending in a longitudinaldirection of the laryngoscope blade. The at least two fluidic channelseach have at least two openings, in which at least a first channelopening is located at a proximal end of the laryngoscope blade, and atleast a second channel opening is located at one of: a distal end of thelaryngoscope blade or a location between the proximal end and the distalend of the laryngoscope blade.

In another embodiment, an apparatus includes a camera arm with a videocamera, and a laryngoscope blade releasably attachable onto the cameraarm. The laryngoscope blade includes a tubular portion configured toreleasably fit onto and enclose the camera arm, and another portion thatinternally incorporates at least two fluidic channels extending in alongitudinal direction of the laryngoscope blade. The at least twofluidic channels each have at least two openings, in which at least onechannel opening is located at a proximal end of the laryngoscope blade,and at least one further channel opening is located at one of: a distalend of the laryngoscope blade or a location between the proximal end andthe distal end of the laryngoscope blade.

In another embodiment, a laryngoscope blade releasably attachable to acamera arm of a video laryngoscope is disclosed. The laryngoscope bladeincludes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of thelaryngoscope blade is tubular and configured to releasably fit onto andenclose the camera arm of the video laryngoscope. The second portion ofthe laryngoscope blade internally incorporates at least two fluidicchannels extending in a longitudinal direction of the laryngoscopeblade. The at least two fluidic channels each have at least twoopenings. A first channel of the at least two fluidic channels includesat least a first channel opening located at a proximal end of thelaryngoscope blade and two second channel openings located between theproximal end and a distal end of the laryngoscope blade. The firstchannel is a fluid supply channel for fluid delivery to the two secondchannel openings. A second channel of the at least two fluidic channelsincludes at least a first channel opening located at the proximal end ofthe laryngoscope blade and a second channel opening located at thedistal end of the laryngoscope blade. The second channel is a suctionchannel for patient fluids from the second channel opening.

Further features and advantages, as well as the structure and operationof various embodiments, are described in detail below with reference tothe accompanying drawings. It is noted that the specific embodimentsdescribed herein are not intended to be limiting. Such embodiments arepresented herein for illustrative purposes only. Additional embodimentswill be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on theteachings contained herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS/FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a perspective view of an example videolaryngoscope with a handgrip, a communication unit, and a camera armunit for retaining a laryngoscope blade, according to embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a diagram of another perspective view of an example videolaryngoscope with a handgrip, a communication unit, and a camera armunit for retaining a laryngoscope blade, according to embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a perspective view of an example videolaryngoscope showing the camera arm folded alongside the handgrip,according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a perspective view of an example videolaryngoscope showing the camera arm with a laryngoscope blade attachedthereto, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an exploded view of the laryngoscopeapparatus as shown in FIGS. 1-3, according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an exploded view of an example linkagedevice between a communication unit and a handgrip, and a positionlinkage member between the handgrip and the camera arm, according toembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a side view of the laryngoscope, includingLED unit along the camera arm , according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing section VIII-VIII of the laryngoscope ofFIG. 7, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an enlarged view of section IX of thelaryngoscope from FIG. 8, according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an enlarged view of section X of thelaryngoscope from FIG. 8, according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example laryngoscope with a blade fixedonto the camera arm of the laryngoscope, according to embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing section XII-XII of the laryngoscope of FIG.11, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example interaction between thecamera arm and the blade of the laryngoscope, according to embodimentsof the present disclosure.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an enlarged view of region XIV of thelaryngoscope shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, according to embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an enlarged view of region XV of thelaryngoscope shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, according to embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a modification of FIG. 15 with atransparent window in front of the camera instead of a lens, accordingto embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a view of an example laryngoscope blade,according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing section XVIII of the laryngoscope blade ofFIG. 17, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 is a diagram showing a partial sectional view of thelaryngoscope blade, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 is a diagram showing section XX of the laryngoscope blade ofFIG. 19, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an exploded view of an example laryngoscopeblade, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing an example laryngoscope blade in anassembled state, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an inside view of an example laryngoscopeblade, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram of an example laryngoscope and howoperational parts are interrelated in the laryngoscope, according toembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 25 illustrates a block diagram of example components of a computersystem, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with referenceto the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Although specific configurations and arrangements are discussed, itshould be understood that this is done for illustrative purposes only. Aperson skilled in the pertinent art will recognize that otherconfigurations and arrangements can be used without departing from thespirit and scope of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to aperson skilled in the pertinent art that this disclosure can also beemployed in a variety of other applications.

It is noted that references in the specification to “one embodiment,”“an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” etc., indicate that theembodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, orcharacteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include theparticular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrasesdo not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Further, when aparticular feature, structure or characteristic is described inconnection with an embodiment, it would be within the knowledge of oneskilled in the art to effect such feature, structure or characteristicin connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitlydescribed.

FIGS. 1-4 show perspective views of an example laryngoscope 100,according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The laryngoscope 100may include an elongated apparatus body 102 shaped for holding by onehand. In some embodiments, the apparatus body 102 may be referred toherein as body 102 or a handgrip 102. In some embodiments, body 102 mayinclude an opening that allows for a user to easily grip and hold thelaryngoscope 100 in one hand. At a proximal end (e.g., upper end) of thebody 102, the laryngoscope 100 includes a communication unit 200 with ascreen 202, connected to a linkage 210 for positioning at differentangles relative to the body or handgrip 102. In some embodiments, thelinkage 210 has a sealed two-axis configuration, in which the linkage210 may allow for rotation or adjustment of the communication unit 200with respect to the body 102 along a vertical and a horizontal axis. Alaryngoscope camera arm unit 300 (e.g., a blade arm) with associatedlaryngoscope blade 400 attached thereto is mounted utilizing a rotaryposition linkage member 110 to a distal end (e.g., lower end) of body102. The rotary position linkage member 110 may allow folding of thecamera arm 300 along the body 102 and also positioning of the camera arm300 at different angular positions outwards relative to the body 102. Insome embodiments, the rotary position linkage member 110 may be referredto herein as a linkage or position linkage member. In some embodiments,the camera arm 300 may be kept fixed in any selectable position byreleasing a lock button 120, which may be located on a side of thedistal end of body 102.

The camera arm 300 (blade arm) may include a camera 301 and lens 302 atits distal position and a light source 310, LED 311, with window 312located at the proximal end, closer to the linkage 110. Camera 301, LED311, and window 312 are shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, which show explodedviews of the laryngoscope apparatus and linkage device, respectively,according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

The camera arm 300 is shaped to retain a laryngoscope blade 400 with achannel 410 that is specially designed to be fitted onto the camera arm300 (as shown in FIGS. 18 and 21-23). In some embodiments, the channel410 may have a tubular shape. In some embodiments, the channel 410 maybe referred to herein as a tubular portion, a slot, and/or a bladechannel. In addition to the channel 410 of the blade 400, the blade 400may include another portion comprising a main body 400′ (shown in FIG.21) and an outer lid or blade surface portion 402.

In some embodiments, light produced (e.g., by light source 310 and/orLED 311) may be transported through the blade 400 when the blade 400 ismade of a light-emitting material to enhance illumination of an oralcavity of a patient. To increase the transmission of light into theblade 400, several LED units 314 may be located along the camera arm asillustrated in FIG. 7. In alternative embodiments, the blade 400 mightnot be made of a light-emitting material, and a light source 310′ may beplaced in close proximity to the camera at a distal end of the cameraarm 300, as illustrated in FIG. 7. In such cases, the dimensions ofcamera arm 300 and channel 410 of the blade 400 may be increased to fitthe light source 310′.

In some embodiments, the body of the blade 400 may be made of alight-emitting material, except for an area of the blade 400 in front ofthe camera 301, which may include a transparent window 420 or lens 420in the blade 400 (shown in FIGS. 15, 16, and 18). As the blade 400 isilluminated by the light source 310, the oral cavity of the patient maybe illuminated for view and image capture by the camera 301. In someembodiments, the camera 301 and associated image processing may beequipped with means for measuring anatomical geometrics of the throatcavity.

In some embodiments, the apparatus body 102 may be shaped for easy gripby one hand and may include a release and lock button 120 configured tocontrol angular positioning of the camera arm 300 and the blade 400 byprovision of the position linkage member 110. In some embodiments, therelease and lock button 120 may be accessible for operation by a userusing one finger on the hand holding the body 102, or any finger of theother hand of the user. In some embodiments, the release and lock button120 may be referred to herein as a push button and/or a lock button.When a user pushes down on the lock button 120, the position linkagemember 110 may be assist the user in finding a proper and suitable anglefor the operation of the blade 400 and may releasably hold the cameraarm 300 fixed in an angular position relative to the apparatus body 102by releasing the lock button 120.

Exploded views of the video laryngoscope apparatus and the linkagedevices are shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, respectively, and sections ofdetails in FIGS. 8-10 support the following description of the linkagedevice 210 of the communication unit 200 and the camera arm 300 of theposition linkage member 110.

In some embodiments, rotary position linkage member 110 connecting thecamera arm 300 to the apparatus body or handgrip 102, is a spring andclutch assembly comprising of: lock button 120 fixed with a toothedcollar 121 that engages in a circular toothed portion 130 at theproximal end of camera arm 300. Torsion spring 140 is connected with thecamera arm 300 and body 102, employing a force on the camera arm 300 inthe direction towards the body 102 into a folded position. A compressionspring 142 engages with lock button 120 with the tension keeping toothedcollar 121 in engagement with the circular toothed portion 130 andlocking the camera arm 300 from movement. Push movement of the lockbutton 120 releases the toothed portions from engagement and enables themovement of the camera arm 300, and if not stopped by the user, thecamera arm 300 will return to the folded position.

With further reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the linkage 210 for connectingthe communication unit 200 with the body or handgrip 102, may comprise apivot unit 220 with protrusions in two directions where friction hinges224 are fixed. In some embodiments, the protrusions may be configured toallow signal and power cables 304, 305, 306 to pass through pivot unit220 and linkage 110, providing for power from a power source 150 (e.g.,a battery) to one or more components and for signals between camera 301,light source 310, and one or more sensors to the communication unit 200.In some embodiments, a cable solely for the camera 301 is denoted 304,and cables for camera 301, light source 310, and one or more sensors aredenoted 305/306. In some embodiments, one or more functions to thecommunication unit, CPU, and O-rings for sealing the linkages havenumerals 124, 226 and 228, respectively.

FIG. 5 also shows housing parts 160, 161 of the body 102, with the powersource 150 centrally placed. Gasket 164 seals the battery compartment165. The body 102 has rubber covers 170, 171 on two sides of the body102. Cover 170 has a portion 172 for covering the lock button 120 andalso permitting a pressing function onto the lock button 120. Thecommunication unit as shown in FIG. 5 comprises a printed circuit board(PCB) and computer unit 240 and display and screen 202. The housing ofthe communication unit 200 comprises two parts 250, 252 with gasket 254and screws 258 for sealing the parts together. In additional and/oralternative embodiments, the housing and/or casing of the laryngoscopemay be secured and sealed by welding or by adhesives. In someembodiments, the laryngoscope housing and/or casing may be secured bywelding and/or by adhesives to provide a sealed product and also toprevent unauthorized opening of the housing.

In some embodiments, the laryngoscope may have means for measuring forceused on the camera arm 300 and angle detection of the position of thecamera arm 300. In some embodiments, the means for measuring force mayinclude one or more sensors, such as an angle and force sensor and/or anangular torsion sensor. FIG. 10 shows an angle and force sensor 144. Insome embodiments, sensor 144 may be connected with a portion of bodyhousing 160 and may detect a change in rotation of the camera arm 300. Asensor 145 may also be connected with torsion spring 140 or between therotating parts for measuring its tension. The sensor 145 may be aforce-torque sensor. FIGS. 9 and 10 also show details as described withreference to FIGS. 5 and 6.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show the laryngoscope with a blade 400 fixed onto cameraarm 300, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailsection XIV on FIG. 12 is shown in an enlarged view in FIG. 14 and showslight source 310 comprised of LED 311 and window 312. In someembodiments, the blade 400 is made of a light-emitting material that isilluminated by LED, and an oral cavity of a patient is therebyilluminated for view and image capture by the camera 301. As shown inFIG. 15, the window in front of the camera may comprise a lens 421 fixedin the blade 400. Thereby, a lens 302 for the camera 301 (shown in FIG.5) may be redundant and replaced by a transparent window 303. FIG. 16shows the camera 301 located at the distal end of the camera arm 300,behind a lens 302 fixed to the camera arm 300. In embodiments where theblade 400 is made of a light-emitting material and not transparent, atransparent window 420 is fixed within the blade 400 in front of thecamera 301, thereby allowing an uninhibited view for imaging. In someembodiments, the transparent window 420 may prevent contamination of thecamera 301 and the lens 302 attached to the arm 300.

With the support of FIGS. 17, 18, 21 and 23, as well as FIGS. 19, 20 and22, the laryngoscope blade 400 will be further described. As describedabove, the blade 400 has a channel or slot 410 where camera arm 300 isinserted. The laryngoscope may be equipped with blades of differentshapes and sizes. In some embodiments, the curvature of the camera arm300 might not need to be the same as the curvature of the outer lid orblade surface portion 402, which is the case of the embodiment shown inFIG. 12. FIG. 18 shows that the curvature of the outer lid or bladesurface portion 402 is less than the curvature of the camera arm 300 andthereby the blade channel 410. In some embodiments, the outer lid orblade surface portion 402 of the blade 400 has a selectable range ofradius of curvature.

In some embodiments, the proximal end of the camera arm 300 may includea catch 308 as amongst others shown in FIGS. 1, 7 and 14. In someembodiments, the catch 308 may be a fastener. The catch 308 may engagein a slot 408 (shown in FIGS. 18 and 21-23) on a flexible tongue 409 atthe proximal end of the blade 400. In some embodiments, the slot 408 maybe referred to as an arresting device that is configured to releasablyengage with the catch 308 on the proximal end of the camera arm 300. Insome embodiments, the blade 400 may include enclosed channels 440 forfluid transport of gas, such as oxygen, local anesthetics, and fluid forcleansing of the camera lens 421 or the transparent window 420, with aseparate enclosed channel 450 for suction of bodily fluids from thepatient, e.g. saliva, blood and/or vomit, although these examples arenon-limiting. FIG. 23 further shows opening 442 for cleansing of lenswindow, opening 444 for gas, oxygen, and/or local anesthetics, opening452 at the distal end of the blade 400 for suction of fluids. In someembodiments, the cleansing of the lens window may be related to aremoval of any debris or obstacles blocking a clear view for the camera.The proximal end of the blade 400 may include openings 445′, 446′ forconnectors 445, 446 on the blade for the tubes for transporting fluids(e.g. gas) and opening 447 for suction. Fluid connectors 445, 446 fore.g. gas and anesthetics may be of Luer type and may also be equippedwith check valves 448. Opening 447 may be for suction of bodily fluidssuch as saliva, blood or vomit. As shown in FIGS. 21 and 23, the twofluidic channels 440 and 450 exhibit mutually different cross-sectionalareas along a majority of their lengths. The fluidic channel 450exhibits the largest cross-sectional area and is the patient fluidsuction channel.

In some embodiments, the video laryngoscope apparatus includes severalsensors and functions that provide feedback to the user. For example,sensor 145 may detect the level of force used on the blade on thepatient, which may be shown on the screen 202 and/or by light indicatorsor sound. In some embodiments, a warning signal or sound may be includedin the communication unit if the level of force is of danger to apatient. An additional or alternative embodiment may include a unit forvibration 270 (shown in FIG. 24), which may be activated to provide avibration notification or feedback to the user in cases where sound orvisual information is difficult for the user to detect. In someembodiments, angles of the camera arm may be detected by sensor 144 andmay be visualized on the screen 202.

In some embodiments, the feedback features of the laryngoscopeapparatus, such as measuring force, angles, anatomical geometrics,images, and other related medical information that is directed to theuser as a consequence of the operation of the laryngoscope, may berecorded locally on the communication unit and/or on a secure remotedatabase for later analysis and later studies of the intubationoperation together with records of images and other operations duringthe time of usage of the laryngoscope.

In some embodiments, information and images may be shown on a screen ordisplay of the communication unit 200 or any other connected computerunit screen. In some embodiments, the laryngoscope communication unitmay be voice-operated or by touch screen, and/or by key functionbuttons. In some embodiments, the laryngoscope communication unit mayinclude means for remote communication and sharing of data with otherresources, such as databases (e.g., medical databases, electronicmedical record (EMR) systems, or the like), or other specializedpersonnel located remote from the site of operation. In someembodiments, the laryngoscope communication unit may comprise a memoryand a processor configured to securely store and transmit data obtainedduring usage of the laryngoscope on a patient, respectively. In someembodiments, the data may comprise at least one of measured force,measured angles, software images, video, and other related medicalinformation obtained during laryngoscopy.

FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram of the laryngoscope 100, according toembodiments of the present disclosure. The laryngoscope 100 is shownwith body 102, communication unit 200, camera arm 300, and blade 400. Insome embodiments, power from power source 150 to the functionalelements, such as light source and communication unit, is transmittedusing one or more cable leads through linkages 210 and 110. In someembodiments, the casing of the laryngoscope is sealed by welding oradhesives, and the power source is solely accessible by authorizedpersonnel at a service. In such embodiments, charging by induction maybe included, as illustrated by numeral 154 and 156.

The power controller 152 controls and distributes power to the computerprocessing unit (CPU) 260 of the communication unit 200, which in turnis connected through cables to provide power and receive signals fromthe camera 301, power the light source 310, 310′, 314, and power andreceive signals from the sensors 144, the cables passing through thelinkages 110, 210. The communication unit 200 and CPU 260 with aprocessor and local storage may have means for connecting to otherresources, such as wirelessly through WIFI, radio and/or wireless phonesystems, represented by ports 262, 263, and 264. In some embodiments,the communication unit 200 may include a communication interfaceconfigured to connect to other resources/devices and securely transmitand receive data to and from the other resources/devices.

In some embodiments, the communication unit 200 may be any moderncomputer or smartphone type available on the market. A feature of thedisclosure is that the communication unit may transmit data andcommunicate audio/video with other resources, for example, in a WebRTC(Web Real-Time Communication) configuration, which is an open-sourcesystem that provides web browsers and mobile applications with real-timecommunication via simple application programming interfaces (APIs).

In some embodiments, FIG. 24 further illustrates the control ofsupplying anesthetics, cleansing fluids and oxygen and/or suction by thecontrol unit 460 during use of the laryngoscope. In some embodiments,the supply of fluid and/or gas may either be manually controlled 461, orcontrolled by automated means 462 by use of communication unit withtouch screen or voice-control. Additionally or alternatively, specialbuttons 464 located on the video laryngoscope body 102 or thecommunication unit 200 may be used. The video laryngoscope may connectwith remote equipment such as an audio headset 500, VR 507 (VirtualReality Goggles) and/or any head-mounted visual display 508 close to atleast one eye of an operator, all of which may be advantageous whenusing a voice control system. The headset 500, and/or any of said remoteequipment may be locally connected to laryngoscope 100 by wired orwireless system(s), or to a remote computer 502 with wireless connectionwhile also connected with the laryngoscope 100. The laryngoscope 100 mayalso be connected to a server 501, which serves as a connection pointfor several resources such as computers 502, smartphone 504, or PC 506.In some embodiments, the laryngoscope may be configured through a WebRTCsystem to communicate with remote resources 510 (e.g., servers andcomputer units) and share data with other resources, such as databases(medical), or other special personnel remote from the site of operation.

Thereby, the laryngoscope may be remotely guided or operated bypersonnel performing intubation on a patient through communicationthrough video images, commands, and information on-screen and audiocommunication, especially where a headset is connected.

The present disclosure described can be subject to modifications andvariations without thereby departing from the scope of the concept asdisclosed with reference to the drawings and further stated in theclaims. To the extent that certain functional elements can be replacedby other elements to enable the same function to be performed by thevarious embodiments disclosed, such technical equivalents are includedwithin the scope of the disclosure.

Exemplary Computing Embodiments

FIG. 25 is a block diagram of example components of computer system2500. One or more computer systems 2500 may be used, for example, toimplement any of the embodiments discussed herein, as well ascombinations and sub-combinations thereof. In some embodiments, one ormore computer systems 2500 may be used to implement the methods,computing, and processing devices, as described herein. Computer system2500 may include one or more processors (also called central processingunits, or CPUs), such as a processor 2504. Processor 2504 may beconnected to a communication infrastructure or bus 2506.

Computer system 2500 may also include user input/output interface(s)2502, such as monitors, keyboards, pointing devices, etc., which maycommunicate with communication infrastructure 2506 through userinput/output interface(s) 2503.

One or more of processors 2504 may be a graphics processing unit (GPU).In an embodiment, a GPU may be a processor that is a specializedelectronic circuit designed to process mathematically intensiveapplications. The GPU may have a parallel structure that is efficientfor parallel processing of large blocks of data, such as mathematicallyintensive data common to computer graphics applications, images, videos,etc.

Computer system 2500 may also include a main or primary memory 2508,such as random access memory (RAM). Main memory 2508 may include one ormore levels of cache. Main memory 2508 may have stored therein controllogic (i.e., computer software) and/or data. In some embodiments, mainmemory 2508 may include optical logic configured to perform processingand analysis of observations made by the camera on the camera arm of thevideo laryngoscope apparatus.

Computer system 2500 may also include one or more secondary storagedevices or memory 2510. Secondary memory 2510 may include, for example,a hard disk drive 2512 and/or a removable storage drive 2514.

Removable storage drive 2514 may interact with a removable storage unit2518. Removable storage unit 2518 may include a computer usable orreadable storage device having stored thereon computer software (controllogic) and/or data. Removable storage unit 2518 may be a programcartridge and cartridge interface (such as that found in video gamedevices), a removable memory chip (such as an EPROM or PROM) andassociated socket, a memory stick and USB port, a memory card andassociated memory card slot, and/or any other removable storage unit andassociated interface. Removable storage drive 2514 may read from and/orwrite to removable storage unit 2518.

Secondary memory 2510 may include other means, devices, components,instrumentalities or other approaches for allowing computer programsand/or other instructions and/or data to be accessed by computer system2500. Such means, devices, components, instrumentalities or otherapproaches may include, for example, a removable storage unit 2522 andan interface 2520. Examples of the removable storage unit 2522 and theinterface 2520 may include a program cartridge and cartridge interface(such as that found in video game devices), a removable memory chip(such as an EPROM or PROM) and associated socket, a memory stick and USBport, a memory card and associated memory card slot, and/or any otherremovable storage unit and associated interface.

Computer system 2500 may further include a communication or networkinterface 2524. Communication interface 2524 may enable computer system2500 to communicate and interact with any combination of externaldevices, external networks, external entities, etc. (individually andcollectively referenced by reference number 2528). For example,communication interface 2524 may allow computer system 2500 tocommunicate with external or remote devices 2528 over communicationspath 2526, which may be wired and/or wireless (or a combinationthereof), and which may include any combination of LANs, WANs, theInternet, etc. Control logic and/or data may be transmitted to and fromcomputer system 2500 via communication path 2526. In some embodiments,computer system 2500 may be coupled to input/output devices such as oneor more of: the video laryngoscope camera, fluid control valves forfluid inlet into and through the interior of the laryngoscope blade,suction pump control for a pump linked to the outlet from the suctionchannel in the laryngoscope blade, the illumination LEDs to controlbrightness and/or intensity therefrom, the linkage sensors located atthe posterior end of the camera arm interacting with the apparatushandgrip, other sensors, or operating devices, visual display,touch-screen, light signals, microphone, loudspeaker, headset, andintercom transceiver. In some embodiments, such coupling to and/or fromthe video laryngoscope and any components therein may be caused oreffected by suitable connections via user input/output interface(s)2502, and via a communications interface 2524 and communications path2526 in the computer system 2500 for any required input/outputcommunication with one or more remote devices, networks, and/or entities2528.

Computer system 2500 may also be any of a personal digital assistant(PDA), desktop workstation, laptop or notebook computer, netbook,tablet, smartphone, smartwatch or other wearables, appliance, part ofthe Internet-of-Things, and/or embedded system, to name a fewnon-limiting examples, or any combination thereof.

Computer system 2500 may be a client or server, accessing or hosting anyapplications and/or data through any delivery paradigm, including butnot limited to remote or distributed cloud computing solutions; local oron-premises software (“on-premise” cloud-based solutions); “as aservice” models (e.g., content as a service (CaaS), digital content as aservice (DCaaS), software as a service (SaaS), managed software as aservice (MSaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), desktop as a service(DaaS), framework as a service (FaaS), backend as a service (BaaS),mobile backend as a service (MBaaS), infrastructure as a service (IaaS),etc.); and/or a hybrid model including any combination of the foregoingexamples or other services or delivery paradigms.

Any applicable data structures, file formats, and schemas in computersystem 2500 may be derived from standards including but not limited toJavaScript Object Notation (JSON), Extensible Markup Language (XML), YetAnother Markup Language (YAML), Extensible Hypertext Markup Language(XHTML), Wireless Markup Language (WML), MessagePack, XML User InterfaceLanguage (XUL), or any other functionally similar representations aloneor in combination. Alternatively, proprietary data structures, formatsor schemas may be used, either exclusively or in combination with knownor open standards.

In some embodiments, a tangible, non-transitory apparatus or article ofmanufacture comprising a tangible, non-transitory computer useable orreadable medium having control logic (software) stored thereon may alsobe referred to herein as a computer program product or program storagedevice. This includes, but is not limited to, computer system 2500, mainmemory 2508, secondary memory 2510, and removable storage units 2518 and2522, as well as tangible articles of manufacture embodying anycombination of the foregoing. Such control logic, when executed by oneor more data processing devices (such as computer system 2500), maycause such data processing devices to operate as described herein.

Conclusion

It is to be appreciated that the Detailed Description section, and notthe Summary and Abstract sections, is intended to be used to interpretthe claims. The Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or morebut not all exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure ascontemplated by the inventor(s), and thus, are not intended to limit thepresent disclosure and the appended claims in any way.

Embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above with theaid of functional building blocks illustrating the implementation ofspecified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries of thesefunctional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for theconvenience of the description. Alternate boundaries can be defined solong as the specified functions and relationships thereof areappropriately performed.

The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fullyreveal the general nature of the disclosure that others can, by applyingknowledge within the skill of the art, readily modify and/or adapt forvarious applications such specific embodiments, without undueexperimentation, without departing from the general concept of thepresent disclosure. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications areintended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of thedisclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presentedherein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminologyherein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, suchthat the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is tobe interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings andguidance.

The breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited byany of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be definedonly in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A disposable laryngoscope blade configured to bereleasably attachable onto a camera arm of a video laryngoscope for useon a patient, the disposable laryngoscope blade comprising: a firstportion that is tubular and configured to releasably fit onto andenclose the camera arm; and a second portion that internallyincorporates at least two fluidic channels extending in a longitudinaldirection of the laryngoscope blade, the at least two fluidic channelseach having at least two openings, wherein at least a first channelopening is located at a proximal end of the laryngoscope blade, and atleast a second channel opening is located at one of: a distal end of thelaryngoscope blade or a location between the proximal end and the distalend of the laryngoscope blade.
 2. The disposable laryngoscope blade ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of the at least two fluidic channelsprovides for flow of a fluid in the form of a liquid or a gas to exit atexit openings located between the proximal end and the distal end of thelaryngoscope blade.
 3. The disposable laryngoscope blade of claim 2,wherein the exit openings are configured to inject the fluid into anoral and pharyngeal cavity of the patient.
 4. The disposablelaryngoscope blade of claim 2, wherein the fluid serves as localanaesthetics to an entrance of the oral and pharyngeal cavity of thepatient or as a supply of oxygen to the patient.
 5. The disposablelaryngoscope blade of claim 2, wherein one of the exit openings isconfigured to enable oxygen or atomized anaesthetics airflow to flowtowards and clean an exterior surface of a lens or a transparentprotective screen covering a video camera at a distal end of the cameraarm.
 6. The disposable laryngoscope blade of claim 1, wherein the atleast second channel opening of one of the at least two fluidic channelsis located at the distal end of the laryngoscope blade and comprises asuction inlet of bodily fluids of the patient, the bodily fluidscomprising at least one of saliva, blood, or vomit.
 7. The disposablelaryngoscope blade of claim 1, wherein the at least two fluidic channelscomprises a first fluidic channel and a second fluidic channel, whereinthe first fluidic channel provides fluid to the at least the secondchannel opening being located between the proximal end and the distalend of the laryngoscope blade, and wherein the first fluidic channelexhibits inlets configured as Luer connectors.
 8. The disposablelaryngoscope blade of claim 7, wherein at least one of the Luerconnectors is configured to be equipped with a check valve.
 9. Thedisposable laryngoscope blade of claim 1, wherein a suction inlet islocated at the distal end of the laryngoscope blade and configured tocommunicate with a suction channel at the proximal end of thelaryngoscope blade that has a suction outlet connector configured toreceive standard suction tubing connectors, the suction channel beingone of the at least two fluidic channels.
 10. The disposablelaryngoscope blade of claim 1, wherein a part of the laryngoscope bladethat is in front of a video camera at a distal end of the camera arm isa lens or a protective screen made of a transparent polymer material.11. The disposable laryngoscope blade of claim 10, wherein the lens orthe protective screen is integrated into the laryngoscope blade.
 12. Thedisposable laryngoscope blade of claim 1, wherein a protective screen ora lens is integrated into the camera arm and arranged in front of avideo camera, to be covered by a lens or a protective screen integratedinto the laryngoscope blade, respectively, and made of a transparentpolymer material.
 13. The disposable laryngoscope blade of claim 1,wherein the second portion of the laryngoscope blade comprises a mainbody and an outer lid or an upper part of the laryngoscope bladeenclosing the at least two fluidic channels, wherein the first portionof the laryngoscope blade and the second portion of the laryngoscopeblade are illuminated by an LED light source located on the camera armto enable a surface of the laryngoscope blade to illuminate an oral andpharyngeal cavity of the patient.
 14. The disposable laryngoscope bladeof claim 1, wherein the proximal end of the laryngoscope blade isequipped with an arresting device configured to releasably engage with acatch located on a proximal end of the camera arm.
 15. The disposablelaryngoscope blade of claim 1, wherein an outer lid or upper part of thelaryngoscope blade has a selectable range of radius of curvature. 16.The disposable laryngoscope blade of claim 1, wherein at least thesecond portion of the laryngoscope blade is made from a material being afirst component comprising a polymer matrix and a second componentconfigured to enhance illumination of the polymer matrix.
 17. Thedisposable laryngoscope blade of claim 16, wherein the second componentcomprises at least one of a particle, a flake or a fiber.
 18. Thedisposable laryngoscope blade of claim 1, wherein the first portion andthe second portion of the laryngoscope blade comprising a main body ofthe laryngoscope blade and an outer lid or upper part of thelaryngoscope blade are substantially made of a single type oflaryngoscope blade material.
 19. An apparatus comprising: a camera armwith a video camera; and a laryngoscope blade releasably attachable ontothe camera arm, wherein the laryngoscope blade comprises a tubularportion configured to releasably fit onto and enclose the camera arm,and another portion that internally incorporates at least two fluidicchannels extending in a longitudinal direction of the laryngoscopeblade, the at least two fluidic channels each having at least twoopenings, wherein at least one channel opening is located at a proximalend of the laryngoscope blade, and at least one further channel openingis located at one of: a distal end of the laryngoscope blade or alocation between the proximal end and the distal end of the laryngoscopeblade.
 20. A laryngoscope blade releasably attachable to a camera arm ofa video laryngoscope, the laryngoscope blade comprising: a first portionthat is tubular and configured to releasably fit onto and enclose thecamera arm of the video laryngoscope; and a second portion thatinternally incorporates at least two fluidic channels extending in alongitudinal direction of the laryngoscope blade, the at least twofluidic channels each having at least two openings, wherein a firstchannel of the at least two fluidic channels comprises at least a firstchannel opening located at a proximal end of the laryngoscope blade andtwo second channel openings located between the proximal end and adistal end of the laryngoscope blade, wherein the first channel is afluid supply channel for fluid delivery to the two second channelopenings, wherein a second channel of the at least two fluidic channelscomprises at least a first channel opening located at the proximal endof the laryngoscope blade and a second channel opening located at thedistal end of the laryngoscope blade, wherein the second channel is asuction channel for patient fluids from the second channel opening. 21.The disposable laryngoscope blade of claim 1, wherein the at least twofluidic channels exhibit mutually different cross-sectional areas alonga majority of their lengths.
 22. The disposable laryngoscope blade ofclaim 21, wherein one channel of the at least two fluidic channelsexhibits a larger cross-sectional area than another channel of the atleast two fluidic channels, and wherein the one channel is a patientfluid suction channel.
 23. The disposable laryngoscope blade of claim 1,wherein one of the at least two fluidic channels is a fluid supplychannel with two fluid inlets at the proximal end of the laryngoscopeblade.
 24. The disposable laryngoscope blade of claim 1, wherein a firstfluidic channel of the at least two fluidic channels comprises two ofsecond channel openings located between the proximal end and the distalend of the laryngoscope blade, the first fluidic channel being a fluidsupply channel for fluid delivery to the two of the second channelopenings, and wherein a second fluidic channel of the at least twofluidic channels comprises a single second channel opening located atthe distal end of the laryngoscope blade, the second fluidic channelbeing a suction channel configured to collect and convey patient fluidsfrom the single second channel opening.
 25. The disposable laryngoscopeblade of claim 24, wherein two of first channel openings of the firstfluidic channel serve as fluid inlets, and wherein a single firstchannel opening of the second fluidic channel serves as a fluid suctionoutlet.
 26. The disposable laryngoscope blade of claim 20, wherein theat least two fluidic channels exhibit mutually different cross-sectionalareas along a majority of their lengths, and wherein the second fluidicchannel exhibits a larger cross-sectional area than the first fluidicchannel.
 27. The disposable laryngoscope blade of claim 20, wherein thefirst fluidic channel comprises two fluid inlets being two first channelopenings at the proximal end of the laryngoscope blade.